Cleaning and Maintenance of Luxury Vinyl Flooring

You have installed luxury vinyl flooring in your home because it is durable. It is important to know how to properly clean your new flooring to keep it looking fresh and to preserve durability. We will walk you through regular cleaning and maintenance of luxury vinyl flooring and what to do if minor scratches occur.

How to Maintain Luxury Vinyl

Keep abrasive materials such as dirt and small stones out of the house by using doormats. It also helps to have a shoe rack by the door and a place for guests to sit and remove their shoes. Sweep or vacuum daily or whenever you notice dirt and dust on the floor. Always vacuum or dry mop to remove dirt before moving on to wet cleaning.

How To Clean Luxury Vinyl

Cleaning vinyl flooring requires no more than plain water and a mop! While most people use the one-bucket system, with that method you are washing your floor with dirty water. We recommend a two-bucket method that ensures you’re not spreading around dirt. Always wipe up spills as soon as possible, and mop frequently with plain water. When mopping, don’t drench your floor in water. A sponge mop may be better to use than a string mop as it holds less water. For more intensive cleaning, use apple cider vinegar and water. Due to its acidity, vinegar helps remove dirt without leaving behind a buildup, and it disinfects at the same time. Mix one cup of cider vinegar with a gallon of hot water and use a damp mop to clean, rinsing the mop frequently with hot water.

What Products are Safe?

Some commercial cleaners are safe for luxury vinyl floors. However, what is safe for one product may not be safe for another. Try to avoid using heavy chemical cleaners as they have the ability to deteriorate the top layer of your floor. Many products contain waxes as well which will dull your floors shine. Mild products like apple cider vinegar work wonders to remove buildup. Apple cider vinegar also disinfects the floor. If you feel a heavy commercial cleanser must be used, check to make sure it is safe for your floor. Using the wrong product can ruin the durability and stability of your floor. 

Repairing Scratches and Scuffs

Take every precaution to prevent abrasions from occurring. Use door mats in your entryway, encourage guests to take their shoes off in the home, and use felt pads or vinyl coasters on the bottom of furniture. If you do not have felt pads or vinyl coasters, make sure to place place something like plywood or paneling underneath furniture before moving it across the floor. Furniture with wheels can cause scratches as well, so it is best to avoid. When scratches and scuffs do occur, you can use jojoba oil or WD-40 to repair. Rub the scuffs with jojoba oil on a soft cloth to remove them. If this does not work, spray WD-40 and leave it for a few minutes before wiping it down with a rag. If this does not work, remember one of the benefits of luxury vinyl planks and tiles is that you can replace the individual piece.

What Not To Do

• Do not use the beater bar on the bottom of the vacuum as this can damage the surface of your floors. If you cannot turn the attachment off or remove it, make sure to set it on the highest setting for height and lowest power.
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers or steel wool. You will want your scrub brush to be about the same quality as a tooth brush, and in fact, a tooth brush is highly recommended when cleaning small stains.
• When deep cleaning, do not use detergents, heavy cleaners, or “mop and shine” products as the leave a dull film on the floor surface.’
• Do not use wax or solvent-based polishes.
• Ammonia or ammonia-based products used on vinyl will break down the material and cause cracks in your flooring.

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